Taupō, New Zealand welcomes elite professional and age group triathletes from across the globe this week to the 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships. This season finale will bring together the most competitive field imaginable. We’ve prepared a race preview on the key details and athletes to watch as we gear up for World Champs.
For the first time, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship comes to New Zealand—and there's no better venue than Taupō. Here, athletes will experience New Zealand's breathtaking scenery while enjoying the warm Kiwi hospitality that makes everyone feel at ease. But, despite all that “warm and fuzzy”, they will be faced with rising to one of the most anticipated events of the year: 70.3 World Championships.
Many athletes took on various directions this season, between the Paris Olympics, the IRONMAN World Championships, and the rise of the T100 series. However, all are bringing their experience into the final event of the IRONMAN 70.3 season.
70.3 World Championships Preview
Things will kick off this week, bringing together elite triathletes from every length and specialty. The event features a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run, demanding a delicate balance of speed and endurance.
The race features a swim in one of the world's largest freshwater lakes, followed by a bike course winding through New Zealand's stunning rural landscape. The run course hugs the lakefront, where spectators and locals will surely line the route to push everyone on.
Athletes to Watch
Taylor Knibb (USA)
Background: Taylor Knibb is a powerhouse in the triathlon world, known for her rapid rise and dominance in both short-course and long-course events. She is the 2022 and 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion. She made waves this season with four T100 wins + the overall title. Knibb also showed versatility at major events, including great performances at the Paris Olympics (in two disciplines) and IRONMAN 70.3 victories.
Strengths: Knibb is known for her powerful bike leg, often gaining significant time on this stretch and being able to push the pace. Her strong swim ensures she’s near the front from the start and her ability to hold pace on the run makes her a triple threat.
Championship Potential: Knibb’s strategic experience and exceptional bike strength make her a top contender for the title...she is World #1 in T100 for a reason. If she can capitalize on her bike advantage and manage the pace, she’s poised for another stellar performance.
Ashleigh Gentle (Australia)
Background: A decorated triathlete, Ashleigh Gentle has shone in both ITU and long-course racing. She’s a multiple IRONMAN 70.3 winner, multiple T100 winner, and took home second overall in the T100 Overall. She shines with her consistency and podium finishes across the board.
Strengths: Gentle’s run is her most formidable weapon, often allowing her to chase down competitors in the latter stages of the race and capitalize on their dwindling pace. She’s also a smart tactician, pacing herself perfectly for strong finishes.
Championship Potential: If Gentle is within striking distance after the bike, her blazing run could see her surge to the front. Her experience and race-day composure make her a serious title threat.
Jenny Fletcher (Canada)
Background: As a former professional triathlete, Jenny Fletcher is poised to return to the age group race at this year’s World Championships. She has experience in the triathlon world that she’ll certainly leverage for World Champs. Jenny had multiple top 5 and 10 finishes in IRONMAN during her career, achieving notable victories along the way.
Strengths: Fletcher’s experience and well-rounded abilities allow her to tackle a wide range of race conditions and courses. She will hold a good position across all three legs and be a steady competitor.
Championship Potential: Fletcher could aim to race smart and efficiently in order to push the final leg. If she can position herself well during the swim and bike, she has the endurance and grit for a strong finish.
Josh Amberger (Australia)
Background: Josh Amberger is known for his wicked-fast swim leg, often leading the pack out of the water in both full and half-distance IRONMAN races. With a career marked by multiple 70.3 wins, consistent top 10 performances, and a reputation as one of the best swimmers in triathlon, the Aussie is a crowd favorite.
Strengths: Amberger’s swim is one of the best in the business, giving him an early advantage that he often leverages through the bike. While he’s known for aggressive race starts, his steady improvement in the run makes him a well-rounded competitor.
Championship Potential: If Amberger can push the pace early on and hold strong on the bike, he could set himself up for a podium finish. His ability to dictate the pace early makes him one to watch!
Marc Dubrick (USA)
Background: A rising star in triathlon, Marc “The Shark” Dubrick has made a name for himself as one of the most consistent and promising athletes in IRONMAN 70.3 events. His strong all-around performance and durability make him one of the most reliably competitive athletes in the field – regardless of the course.
Strengths: Dubrick’s balance across all three disciplines is his biggest asset. He excels in maintaining pace throughout the race, with the fastest Swim and Run legs during his win at IRONMAN 70.3 Cozumel. This makes him a strong contender, always.
Championship Potential: While he might not dominate any single leg, his ability to stay near the front across swim, bike, and run will put him in a great position. If he’s on a good day, you can bet a World Championships title will be in his sights.
With an impressive lineup of athletes, this year’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships promises some ridiculous pace, unpredictable competition, and unforgettable moments. From blistering bike splits to dramatic surges on the run, the race is set to showcase the best of triathlon as we come to a close in the 2024 season Who will claim the coveted crown? Tune in to find out!
Photo Credits: Talbot
